Method for preparing and applying a hair extension

ABSTRACT

A method for preparing a hair weft for applying to hair of a user. The method may include determining a length of hair weft to produce, measuring the length on a hair weft longer than the hair weft to produce, and cutting a base of the longer hair weft to produce a hair weft having the measured length. The method may further include cutting a double-sided tape to be utilized with the measured hair weft, where the double-sided tape may be composed of a double-sided adhesive film and non-adhesive backing adhered to each adhesive side. A non-adhesive backing may be peeled from the double-sided adhesive film to expose the double-sided adhesive film and the exposed cut double-sided adhesive film may be adhered to the base of the measured hair weft. The hair weft may be applied to a user&#39;s hair to form a hair extension.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/647,235 filed Jan. 26, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair extensions have become popular for women and men who enjoy having fuller and/or longer hair. Additionally, people wear hair extensions because they are fun to wear. Hair extensions may also be used to change to color of a person's hair without the need for chemical processing. Because there is a cultural status of having nice hair, many people find it important that they have longer or fuller hair for everyday wear and particular social events.

By way of background, hair extensions are different from other hairpieces, such as a toupee. A toupee is typically configured to cover a large portion of surface area (e.g., several inches) and to be affixed directly to the scalp of a person's head. Hair extensions, on the other hand, are typically configured along a narrow base (e.g., one-quarter inch width) and affixed to a person's hair.

While people desire to have hair extensions, these same people often find it inconvenient to wear the hair extensions over long periods of time. The reasons for the inconvenience include the extra care necessary to maintain the hair extensions, a desire to exercise without the hair extensions, a desire to simply appear on a typical day with natural hair, and a desire to change one's appearance more regularly.

To address the many concerns and desires of people who wear hair extensions, there are a number of different hair extension structures that have been developed. In addition, there are a number of connection devices that have been developed to connect the different hair extension structures.

One hair extension structure includes tufts or bundles of hair that are clamped or bonded using a metal tube or adhesive with heat or ultrasonic energy. The problem that exists with this hair extension structure is that it is very expensive, thousands of dollars, and time consuming to install, up eight hours.

Another hair extension structure includes single hairs that are connected to a base element that can be affixed to the hair or scalp of a person using a number of different methods. This type of hair extension structure is called a “hair weft.” The base element may be formed in a number of different ways, including sewing or stitching hair with thread, using a material to which hair is affixed, and injecting the hair strands into a flexible strip, for example. It is well understood in the art that there are many different ways of forming hair wefts.

There are numerous methods in existence for applying extensions to the head or hair of the wearer, including both professional and self-installation. The major problems in using a professional hair stylist to install the hair extensions are the time and cost involved. There are several techniques used by professional hair stylists to install “high-end” hair extensions, including braiding the hair extensions into a person's natural hair, fusing the hair extensions with the person's natural hair, and bonding the hair extensions to the person's natural hair. These techniques are expensive as they can cost up to several thousand dollars and require four to eight hours to install. While these techniques are good for long-term hair extensions (e.g., one to five months), they have the problem of damaging the person's natural hair and the wearer is required to re-visit the hair stylist to remove the hair extensions, thereby incurring additional cost to the person. Because of the costs involved with wearing the high-end hair extensions, most people cannot or choose not to have hair extensions installed by a professional, especially if a person's need is for a single social event.

For self-installation, hair extensions and methods that have been developed for self-installation have problems because they are typically configured with clips sewn to the hair extensions. While the use of clips allows for self-installation, these clips create a bulky appearance near the scalp, can cause considerable discomfort to the wearer, cannot be worn while sleeping, and can damage the natural hair. Other conventional hair extensions that are available for self-installation have adhesives that are pre-configured to the hair weft, thereby limiting the usage to a single wear and being more costly to produce. Still yet, other conventional hair extensions use multiple self-adhesive tape, whereby individual hairs or the base of the hair wefts are sandwiched between two pieces of self-adhesive tape. Each of these convention hair extensions suffers from being bulky when installed, difficult to self-install, expensive to produce, and/or non-re-usable.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hair extension system and installation method therefor that can be professionally or self-installed in a cost-effective manner, capable of short or medium term wear, and re-usable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the problems of conventional hair extensions and methods for installation thereof, the principles of the present invention provide for a cost effective, hair extension kit. The hair extension kit provides the ability for professional hairdressers and wearers of the hair extensions to install. Further, the hair extension kit, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, may provide for hair wefts to be worn for short or medium term (e.g., one day to several weeks) and to be reusable.

One embodiment in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a method for preparing a hair weft to apply to hair of a user. The method may include determining a length of hair weft to produce, measuring the length on a hair weft longer than the hair weft to produce, and cutting a base, having a first and second edge, of the longer hair weft to produce a hair weft having the measured length. The method may further include cutting a double-sided tape to be utilized with the measured hair weft, where the double-sided tape may be composed of a double-sided adhesive film and non-adhesive backing adhered to each adhesive side. A non-adhesive backing may be peeled from the double-sided adhesive film to expose the double-sided adhesive film and the exposed cut double-sided adhesive film may be adhered to the base of the measured hair weft.

In another embodiment, a method for applying hair extensions may be provided by forming a part in a user's hair, positioning a hair weft along the formed part, where the hair weft has a base with a first edge and second edge and further including a double-sided adhesive film directly adhered thereto absent any other fastener. The positioning may include positioning the first edge of the base at or on one side of the formed part. The double-sided adhesive film may be adhered to the hair at or on one side of the part.

In one embodiment, a hair extension kit may include a container configured to include multiple components for installing hair extensions. Within the container, a hair weft having a base with hair extending therefrom and double-sided tape configured to have a substantially planar portion may be included. The double-sided tape may have a length of at least three inches and a height of at least one inch.

In another embodiment, a hair extension kit may include a container configured to include multiple components for installing hair extensions. The components may include a hair weft having a base with hair extending therefrom and double-sided tape being medical grade quality. The hair extension kit may further include a remover solution capable of removing the hair weft when installed with the double-sided tape, but leave substantially no residue on a wearer's hair.

The principles of the present invention further provide for a method of assembling a hair extension kit. The assembling process may include (i) providing a container configured to include multiple components for installing hair extensions, (ii) including a hair weft into the container, and (iii) including a double-sided tape configured to have a substantially planar portion. A remover solution may also be included in the hair extension kit.

The principles of the present invention further provide for a hair extension system that includes (i) a hair extension kit including a hair weft and double-sided tape for installing at least a portion of the hair weft to the hair of a user and (ii) a hair extension replenish kit including double-sided tape and remover solution for removing the double-sided tape from the hair of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary hair weft for use in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2A-2C are illustrations of exemplary double-sided tape for use with the hair weft of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of an exemplary hair extension kit and components that may be included therein;

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an exemplary hair extension replenish kit and components that may be included therein;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram describing an exemplary process for preparing a hair weft for applying to a user's hair;

FIGS. 5A-5E (collectively FIG. 5) are illustrations showing a graphical representation of the process of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are illustrations of an exemplary hair clip that may be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram describing an exemplary process for installing a hair weft as configured in FIG. 5D;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary user having a hair weft being applied to her hair in accordance with the installation process of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart describing a process for removing a hair extension from a user's hair in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary hair weft 100 for use in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown, the hair weft includes multiple hair strands 102 that may be natural or synthetic. The hair strands 102 may range from sixteen to eighteen inches in length. Alternatively, the hair strands 102 may be shorter or longer depending upon the particular application for which the hair weft 100 is to be utilized. The hair weft 100 also includes a base 104 to which the hair strands 102 are coupled. The base 104 may be composed of threads 106 that are stitched to secure the hair strands 102.

Alternatively, the base 104 may be composed of a number of different materials (e.g., cloth, plastic, or the like) to secure the hair strands 102 to form a common, generally flexible portion. Still yet, the hair strands 102 may be woven at a common area at one end to form the base. It should be understood that there are many ways of forming hair wefts that may be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention. No matter which configuration of hair weft is utilized, the base 104 is to be capable of being cut with a pair of scissors to enable a user to cut the hair weft 100 into multiple hair wefts.

For the purposes of this disclosure, a “hair weft” is considered to be hair strands connected to a base that when connected to a person's head (i.e., natural hair and/or scalp), is considered to be a “hair extension.” However, as the terms “hair weft” and “hair extension” are generally considered to be interchangeable in the art, the use of either term throughout this description is also considered to be interchangeable.

FIG. 2A-2C are illustrations of exemplary double-sided tape 200 a for use with the hair weft of FIG. 1. FIG. 2A shows the double-sided tape 200 a having a length L and height H. The length L may be three or more inches and the height H may be one or more inches. However, other lengths and heights are contemplated in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In addition, other dimensions, such as circular, oval, or otherwise may be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The double-sided tape 200 a may be composed of multiple components, including (i) a double-sided adhesive film 202, which is generally formed of an adhesive coating on both sides of a plastic or film as understood in the art, and (ii) non-adhesive backings 204 and 206 a that are removably adhered to both sides of the double-sided adhesive film 202 to maintain the adhesive coating. As shown in FIG. 2A, the backing 206 a is peeled at the upper left corner from the double-sided adhesive film 202 to show that the double-sided adhesive film 202 is sandwiched between the two backings 204 and 206 a. In one embodiment, the two backings 204 and 206 a extend beyond the double-sided adhesive film 202 so as to be easier for a user to separate the backings 204 and 206 a from the double-sided adhesive film 202. The double-sided tape 200 a may be a sheet or roll. However, to make it easier for a user to size portions of the double-sided tape 200 a for use in applying or installing the hair extensions, at least a portion of the double-sided tape 200 a may be substantially planer.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the double-sided tape 200 a of FIG. 2A. As shown, the double-sided adhesive film 202 is sandwiched between the two backings 204 and 206 a that extend above and below the double-sided adhesive film 202. The double-sided adhesive film 202 has a width W. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the width W of the double-sided adhesive film 202 is approximately less than 0.01 inches. However, it should be understood that the width W may be any width capable of being flexed for installing a hair weft to a person's head. The double-sided adhesive film 202 may utilize a medical grade quality adhesive as understood in the art. Medical grade quality adhesive minimizes potential allergic reactions and is capable of adhering to skin or hair for extended periods of time. A distributor that provides for medical grade quality adhesive contemplated for use in accordance with the principles of the present invention is Cohesive Solutions located at 19215 SE 34^(th), Suite 106 #390, Camas, Wash. 98607 that distributes a brand of double-sided tape known as Max Grip Strips. It should be understood that other distributors and other double-sided tape being of medical grade quality may be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is an illustration of another embodiment of a double-sided tape 200 b. As shown, the backing 206 b covering a double-sided adhesive film (not shown) has multiple horizontal 208 a-208 d and vertical 210 a-210 d demarcations printed thereon to provide a user with a guide for cutting or otherwise separating the double-sided tape 200 b for use in installing a hair weft, such as the hair weft 100 shown in FIG. 1. It should be understood that the demarcations may be an ink that is printed on the backing 206 b. Alternatively, the demarcation may be a graphical representation of a measurement device, such as a ruler, or other representation having substantially periodic markings to make it easier for a user to separate the double-sided tape 200 b. In another embodiment, the demarcation may be a physical alteration of the backing(s), such as a cut or bend. Still yet, the demarcation may be a series of perforations extending through the backings and double-sided adhesive film to make it possible for a user to separate the lengths and/or height of double-sided tape without having to use scissors or other separation tool. Accordingly, the demarcation may be any physical attribution that enables a user to more easily determine a location to separate the double-sided tape for use in installing a hair weft.

FIG. 3A is an exemplary hair extension kit 300 and components that may be included therein. The hair extension kit 300 may include a container 302, hair weft 100, and double-sided tape 200 a. The container 302 may be a box or other enclosure. However, other containers, such as a bag, clear or otherwise, mesh sac, or any other device configured to enable someone to carry the components of the hair extension kit 300 using a single device. As shown, the double-sided tape 200 a is folded over. The double-sided tape 200 a may alternatively not be folded, if capable of fitting within the container 302 without folding. As further shown, at least a portion of the double-sided tape 200 a is maintained substantially planer. In being substantially planer, the double-sided tape may have some natural bending, but not be rolled or otherwise intentionally curved. By providing the double-sided tape 200 a independent of the hair weft 100, the cost to produce the hair extension kit 300 is reduced and allows for the hair weft 100 to be reused.

In addition to the container 302, hair weft 100, and double-sided tape 200 a, the hair extension kit 300 may include instructions for assembling and installing the hair extensions. The instructions may be in the form of a computer readable medium 304 a and/or printed material 304 b. The computer readable medium 304 a may be in the form of a compact disk or digital video disk (DVD), for example. Alternatively, instructions may be located on a network, such as the Internet. The instructions may be in the form of text, illustrations, photographs, and/or video, that teaches a user how to assemble and install a hair extension on him or herself or on someone else.

Additionally, a remover solution 306 may be included in the hair extension kit 300. The remover solution 306 may include a solvent, such as an alcohol-based liquid or other form, that is capable of dissolving, diluting, or disintegrating the adhesive to cause the double-sided film of the double-sided tape 200 a so that the user may remove the hair extensions. Alternatively, the remover solution 306 may be citrus-based. The remover solution 306 may be contained in a spray bottle to allow a user to simply spray the solvent onto the double-sided adhesive film to make it easy for a user to remove the hair extensions. It should be understood that any other type of container as understood in the art may be utilized to contain the remover solution 306. In one embodiment, the remover solution 306 produces or leaves minimal or no residue on a user's hair to allow a user to remove one hair extension and install another without having to wash or otherwise clean the hair. However, other remover solution that leaves more residue, but is capable of removing the double-sided adhesive film than is optimal, may alternatively be provided.

In one embodiment of the hair extension kit 300, the hair weft 100 may be provided in a see-through bag (not shown) or otherwise so that the user may view the color of the hair weft 100 prior to opening, thereby making it easy for a seller or manufacturer of the hair extension kit 300 to allow for returns of the hair extension kit 300 in the event that the color of the hair weft 100 is not appropriate. In another embodiment, the hair extension kit 300 may be supplied with additional, smaller hair wefts 308 a, 308 b and 308 c (collectively 308), where one is the color of the hair weft 100 and the other two are the two nearest colors to the hair weft 100. The user of the hair extension kit 300 may use these hair wefts 308 to determine if the color of the hair weft 100 is correct or if one of the colors of the other hair wefts 308 is more appropriate. If one of the other colors is more appropriate, the user may return the hair extension kit 300 without having to touch or potentially damage the hair weft 100. By supplying these additional colors, purchasers from retailers, distributors, or other distribution channels, such as an infomercial or Internet based seller, may be made confident that the appropriate hair color can be determined without having seen an actual hair weft and with more certainty, and that exchanges can be made with minimal inconvenience. Furthermore, the additional hair wefts 308 may be used as a marketing tool as users can provide those wefts to other potential purchasers of the hair extension kit 300. To allow a user to use the smaller hair wefts 308, small strips of double-sided tape may be provided in the hair extension kit 300. If one or more of the smaller hair wefts 308 are provided separately, small pieces of double-sided tape may be provided or, alternatively, pre-adhered to the smaller hair wefts 308 to make it easier for a user to apply.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an exemplary hair extension replenish kit 308 and components that may be included therein. The hair extension replenish kit 308 may include a container 310 to provide users of the hair extension kit 300 with supplies for reusing the hair extensions formed from the hair weft 100 (i.e., hair wefts that are formed by separation of the hair weft 100). The container 310 may be the same as the container 302 provided for the hair extension kit 300, may be sized or shaped different from the container 302, and/or may have different writing on the container 310 so that a user can easily identify that the hair extension replenish kit 308 provides the components necessary for continuing to reuse the hair extensions formed from the hair weft 100. In one embodiment, the hair extension replenish kit 308 may include one or more double-sided tapes 200 a and one or more remover solutions 306. Other and/or different components for reusing the hair extensions may be provided. Of course, because the hair weft 100 and other components (e.g., instructions) are not provided in the hair extension replenish kit 308, the cost may be set much lower than the hair extension kit 300. In effect, the combination of providing both the hair extension kit 300 and hair extension replenish kit 308 may be considered a hair extension “system,” whereby sellers of the hair extension system can market the product more easily and buyers can more easily identify and decide on their needs without having to individually purchase each of the individual components (i.e., hair weft 100, double-sided tape 200 a, remover solution 306, etc.).

Still yet, a hair extension re-supply kit (not shown) may also be assembled to include additional hair wefts 100 and double-sided tape 200 a to allow users who have remaining remover solution, but hair extensions that are either worn out or desire different color hair extensions, to purchase just the components that they need. It should be understood that other combinations of components and other kits may be arranged to provide a complete hair extension system that allows for sellers to more easily sell the product and consumers to more easily identify their product needs. For example, a highlight kit (not shown) may be provided to include certain color hair wefts that complement or otherwise operate as highlights for certain color hair wefts provided in a hair extension kit 300. If, for example, a hair extension kit is purchased with brown hair, light brown and blonde hair may be provided in a highlight kit. Alternatively, the highlight kit may be provided where the colors that do not compliment the user's hair or are not meant to be utilized with hair wefts of a particular hair extension kit 300. For example, the highlight kit may include green, blue, or other colors for a user to use for fun or for special events (e.g., Halloween). The highlight kit may also provide double-sided tape of a size sufficient to be used for a certain number of wearings of the highlight hair wefts. Additionally, the highlight kit may provide one or more of each color of hair wefts (i.e., either a full hair weft or pre-cut hair wefts) to make it easier for the user to prepare for assembly and installation of the highlight hair wefts.

In addition to the various kits that may be provided, other accessories may be used to accomplish the installation process more easily. Such accessories may include a comb, such as a rat-tail comb as understood in the art, hair clips, and scissors. These accessories may be bundled in a hair extension accessory kit (not shown), provided in the hair extension kit 300, or be the responsibility of the user to acquire independent of the hair extension kit 300. Another accessory that makes installation of the hair extensions easier is a double mirror (not shown), where two mirrors are configured to enable a user to look into one mirror and see the rear of his or her head in the other mirror. Alternatively, a mirror with a clamp and an extendable arm that can be mounted near any other stationary mirror in order to enable the user to see the rear of his or her head in the stationary mirror may be provided. Either mirror may also be included in the hair extension kit 300 or in an accessory kit available for users to purchase with one or more of the other accessories.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram describing an exemplary process 400 for preparing a hair weft for applying to a user's hair. The process 400 starts at step 402. At step 404, a determination is made for the length of hair weft to produce. In determining the length of the hair weft to produce, a part may be formed in a user's hair to determine the length of hair weft to apply. In sizing the length to make, the user may determine the length and subtract a certain amount, such as one-half inch so that the ends of the hair weft are covered with natural hair when applied to the hair. It should be understood that the measurement may be made using a ruler, expanse between fingers, comb, “eyeball” estimate, or any other precise or imprecise technique. Once the measurement is made, at step 406, the length of the hair weft is measured on a longer hair weft (i.e., longer than the hair weft to be produced). At step 408, the base of the longer hair weft is cut to produce a hair weft having the measured length.

The process 400 continues at step 410, where double-sided tape is cut to fit the measured hair weft. In cutting the double-sided tape, the cut tape may be approximately the height of the base of the hair weft or slightly longer (e.g., one-half inch) so that the cut double-sided tape does not materially interfere with the natural hair. In fitting the measured hair weft, the double-sided tape may be cut into a single or multiple segments and the height of the cut double-sided tape may be, in one embodiment, substantially the same or longer then the height of the base (see, FIG. 5D). At step 412, the double-sided tape is adhered to the base of the hair weft. In adhering the double-sided tape to the base, one non-adhesive backing may be peeled from the double-sided adhesive film to expose the double-sided adhesive film. In one embodiment, no additional fasteners are connected to adhered to the hair weft. In other words, the double-sided tape may be the only fastener connected to or adhered to the hair weft for applying the hair weft to a user's hair as the double-sided tape is capable of adhering to the user's hair for an extended period of time. Alternatively, the double-sided adhesive film may be adhered to a clip. The use of one or more clips in combination with the double-sided tape enables a user to wear the hair extension in a more temporary manner and be confident that the hair weft will be secured to the clip(s). The process 400 ends at step 414.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of the hair weft 100 (FIG. 1). The base 104 of the hair weft 100 may be laid out flat to enable a user to measure a length L along the base. The length L, as measured by a user, defines the length of a hair weft for installation in the hair. The base 104 has a base height B_(h). After the length L is measured along the base 104 of the hair weft 100, a user may cut the base 104 of the hair weft 100 to form two hair wefts, one measured hair weft 100 a having a length L and a second hair weft 100 b as shown in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5C is an illustration of the double-sided tape 200 a to be used for preparing the measured hair weft 100 a (FIG. 5B). The double-sided tape 200 a may also be measured to determine a length L and base height B_(h) to cut the double-sided tape 200 a. In measuring the double-sided tape 200 a, a user may draw lines 502 and 504 to define the base height B_(h) if the size of the double-sided tape 200 a has dimensions to accommodate for more than two base heights B_(h) and line 506 to define the length of a section 508 of the double-sided tape 200 a. The user may cut along the lines 502 and 506 to form the section 508. While the double-sided tape 200 a may be measured and cut to the base height B_(h), it should be understood that the double-sided tape 200 a may be cut such that the height of the tape is longer or shorter than the base height B_(h). Because the density of the hair of the hair weft at the base is relatively high, extending the double-sided tape below the base is generally not a problem.

As shown in FIG. 5D, after cutting to form the section 508 of double-sided tape, the user may peel one of the non-adhesive backings to expose the double-sided adhesive film (see, FIG. 2B). The user may then adhere the exposed double-sided adhesive film onto the base 104 of the measured hair weft 100 a. In adhering the exposed double-sided adhesive film onto the base 104, the user may align the exposed double-sided adhesive film to a first edge 510 and a second edge 512 of the base 104.

FIG. 5E shows how the user may peel back the second non-adhesive backing 206 a to expose the adhesive film 202. The section 508 of the double-sided tape may be approximately the same height as the base height B_(h) to avoid having the double-sided adhesive 202 from extending above the base 104 of the measured hair weft 100 a when applied to a user's hair. If the double-sided adhesive film 202 extends above the hair weft 100 a, the user's natural hair may adhere to the double-sided adhesive film 202 and be raised up or otherwise look unnatural. Once the non-adhesive backing 206 a is removed, the measured hair weft 100 a is prepared for installation into a user's hair to form a hair extension.

Although shown in FIGS. 5C-5E that the double-sided tape 200 a is cut the same length L as the measured hair weft 100 a, an alternative for preparing the hair weft 100 a to be applied to a user's hair includes cutting multiple, shorter lengths of double-sided tape and space them along the base with some space between each shorter length. To ensure that the hair weft 100 a is properly secured at the ends in a user's hair, the shorter lengths of double-sided tape may be adhered at the ends of the hair weft 100 a when applied to the user's hair. Depending on the length of the hair weft 100 a, none, one, or more shorter lengths of double-sided tape may be adhered to the base of the measured hair weft 100 a between the ends to secure the measured hair weft 100 a when applied to the user's hair.

As shown in FIG. 5E, the measured hair weft 100 a may be used for an extended duration, such as one or more weeks. A user, however, may decide that he or she would prefer to wear the hair extension for a shorter period of time, such as one or two nights. While easy to install in the configuration of FIG. 5E, the process for installing the measured hair weft 100 a by the double-sided adhesive film 100 to the user's hair may still take a skilled user 20 minutes or more due to the care needed to appropriately apply the measured hair weft 100 a. To make it easier and faster for the user to prepare and install the measured hair weft 100 a, a clip onto which the double-sided adhesive film 202 can be adhered may be used.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of an exemplary hair clip 600 that may be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The hair clip 600 may include a base portion 602 and a comb portion 604, where the comb portion 604 includes a number of comb elements that are connected to the base portion 602. The base portion 602 may have a face 606 onto which the double-sided adhesive film 202 may be adhered. It should be understood that the face 606 may be flat, substantially flat, or perforated, but that there should be enough surface area for the double-sided adhesive film 202 to be adhered without substantial concern for separation while wearing the measured hair weft 100 a. Because the face 606 of the clip 600 provides for a large surface area and the double-sided adhesive does not come in contact with a user's hair or scalp, it is contemplated that non-medical grade quality double-sided tape may be utilized to secure a hair weft to the clip 600.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the clip 600 showing the comb portion 604 secured to the base portion 602 and the face 606 being substantially flat. In an alternative embodiment, the clip 600 may not include a comb portion, but rather use a clip mechanism to pinch hair within the clip mechanism to secure the measured hair weft 100 a to the user's hair. In yet another embodiment, a clip that secures to a hair weft without having to adhere to the double-sided adhesive film may also be provided to enable a user to prepare and apply the hair extensions in a relatively fast manner, such as 5 to 10 minutes. In the case of the hair extension kit 300 or accessory kit (not shown), because a kit provides both an adhesive solution and non-adhesive solution, the user of the hair extension kit 300 or system (i.e., hair extension kit 300 and other kit) may select the installation technique based on the desired duration for which to wear the hair extensions. In either case, the hair weft 100 or subsets thereof may be reusable because of the type of adhesive provided in the hair extension kit 300, technique(s) used to configure the hair weft 100, and technique(s) used to install and remove the hair extensions.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram describing an exemplary process 700 for installing hair weft 100 a as configured in FIG. 5D. The installation process 700 starts at step 702. At step 704, a part is formed in a user's hair. In one embodiment, the part is formed substantially horizontally with hair extending from an upper and lower side of the part. At step 706, a hair weft is positioned along the formed part, where the hair weft has a base with a top edge and bottom edge and further including a double-sided adhesive film directly adhered thereto absent any other fastener. The positioning may include positioning the top edge of the base at or slightly below the formed part. As previously described, the double-sided adhesive film may be contained at or below the upper edge of the base to avoid raising the user's natural hair above the base. At step 708, the double-sided adhesive is adhered to the user's hair extending from the lower side of the part. If the hair weft is positioned much below the part, the user's fingers or comb may be more likely to contact the base of the hair weft. Although the double-sided adhesive film may be medical grade quality, it is understood that hair being previously washed to remove any chemicals or other treatments, such as conditioner, hair spray, hair gel, or the like, allows the double-sided adhesive film to adhere better and for a longer duration. Once the hair weft is adhered to the user's hair, the hair extending from the upper side of the part to fall over the hair weft is allowed to fall at step 710 and the process ends at step 712. While the process 700 describes applying the hair wefts in a substantially horizontally orientation, it should be understood that any other orientation is possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

To make the user's hair appear to be fuller and layered, the process 700 may be repeating one or more times above each of the hair wefts previously adhered to the user's hair. In one embodiment, the bases of each successive hair extension may be spaced approximately one-half inch or more apart. If the hair wefts are not applied to the user's hair horizontally, the successive hair wefts may be adhered on the side of the base of the previously applied hair wefts. While it may be easier to apply the hair wefts in an orderly manner, it should be understood that the hair wefts may be place in any orientation with respect to one another.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary user 800 having a hair weft being applied to her hair in accordance with the installation process of FIG. 7. As shown, the user's natural hair 802, which is relatively short as it extends to just below the head, is parted along a horizontal region at 804. One or more clips 806 may hold up hair 808 that extends upward from the part. The top edge of the base 104 (FIG. 1) of hair weft 100 may be positioned at or slightly below the part 804. Once adhered to the hair, the hair 808 extending upward from the part may be released to fall back over the base 104. In an alternative embodiment, the hair weft may be oriented non-horizontally, such as vertically or upside down, for use in creating various hairstyles, such as an “updo.”

FIG. 9 is a flow chart describing a process 900 for removing a hair extension from a user's hair in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The hair extension removal process 900 starts at step 902. At step 904, a user's natural hair and extension hair is brushed to remove tangles. Hair above the base of the hair weft forming the hair extension is clipped upward so that the base is exposed. At step 908, remover solution is sprayed on both sides of the base to saturate the double-sided adhesive film used to adhere the base of the hair weft to the user's hair. The user may optionally rub the remover solution into the double-sided adhesive film to further saturate and loosen the adhesive from the user's hair at step 910. The remover solution may be given a duration of time to soak into the double-sided adhesive film at step 912. The duration of time may be for one or more minutes depending on how long the hair extension has been adhered to the hair. The longer the hair extension has been in the user's hair, the more remover solution and soak time should be used to ensure that the adhesive is fully removed from the user's hair. At step 914, the hair extension and double-sided adhesive film is peeled from the hair and the double-sided adhesive film is removed from the hair weft. Because the double-sided adhesive film is removable from the base of the hair weft, the hair weft may be reusable many times. To reuse the hair weft, the user may purchase a hair extension replenish kit 308 (FIG. 3B) when the double-sided tape 200 a of the hair extension kit 300 (FIG. 3A) is fully used.

It should be understood that the particular embodiments shown in the drawings and described within this specification are for purposes of example and should not be construed to limit the invention, which will be described in the claims below. Further, it is evident that those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses and modifications of the specific embodiments described without departing from the inventive concepts. It is also evident that the methods recited may in many instances be performed in a different order; or equivalent structures and processes may be substituted for the various structures and processes described. Consequently, the invention is to be construed as embracing each and every novel feature and novel combination of features present in and/or possessed by the principles of the present invention herein described. 

1. A method for preparing a hair weft to apply to hair of a user, said method comprising: determining a length of hair weft to produce; measuring the length on a hair weft longer than the hair weft to produce; cutting a base of the longer hair weft to produce a hair weft having the measured length; cutting a double-sided tape to be utilized with the measured hair weft, the double-sided tape composed of a double-sided adhesive film and non-adhesive backing adhered to each adhesive side; peeling a non-adhesive backing from the double-sided adhesive film to expose the double-sided adhesive film; and adhering the exposed cut double-sided adhesive film to the base of the measured hair weft.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive film adhered to the base of the measured hair weft is configured to extend beyond one of the edges of the base of the measured hair weft.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said cutting of the double-sided tape is performed on a double-sided tape having a height longer than the height of the base of the hair weft and produces a double-sided tape with a height approximately the same or longer than the height of the base of the measured hair weft.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said cutting of the double-sided tape is cut with a length substantially the same as the length of the measured hair weft.
 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: peeling the second non-adhesive backing from the double-sided adhesive film to expose the double-sided adhesive film; and adhering a clip to the double-sided adhesive film.
 6. A method for applying hair extensions, said method comprising: forming a part in a user's hair; positioning a hair weft along the formed part, the hair weft having a base with a first edge and second edge and further including a double-sided adhesive film directly adhered thereto absent any other fastener, said positioning including positioning the first edge of the base at or on one side of the formed part; and adhering the double-sided adhesive film to the hair at or on one side of the part.
 7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising repeating said forming, positioning, and adhering one or more times.
 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein each of said forming is performed approximately one-half inch apart from a previously adhered hair weft. 